Revit+MEP+Workflow

=Revit MEP 2008 Workflow= Class project for AE 597F, generated to facilitate student learning. toc

Team Members:
Charlie Miller Chris Stultz Jon Revtai

Description of Project:
The intent of this project is to anaylize the basic features of Revit MEP and provide a work flow for students and professors to utilize in creating a model for presentation or as an aid. Initially it was our intention to have these workflows incorporated into the AE 310 - HVAC Fundamentals semester project in determining heating and cooling loads, effects on these loads by changes in construction type and occupancy, as well as developing a system layout. Although the work flows are not part of the semester project they will provide a great source for students to learn from other students as well as providing the instructors with the necessary tools to create a valuable teaching aide.

Description of Model:
A basic 5 room structure that includes 3 offices, a hallway, and a classroom. The model has adjustable construction types that can be user modified for specific applications or as a teaching aide. The intent of the model is to show the result of changes in construction type, occupancy, and other factors that influence the calculated loads for the HVAC system. Also included is the process to create zones to provide a basic understanding to novice users and to allow teaching assistance in teaching about zones.

Programs Utilitzed:
Revit MEP 2008 with IES Plugin //(Must contain IES for load calculation)// Revit Architecture 2008 //(Be sure that when searching for help to use help for Revit 2008 not the 2009 version as the layouts differ slightly!)//

Products Developed:
Below are the workflows to Import a Revit Architecture or Revit MEP file, apply room tags and other logic to the rooms, install a system, and create zones.

Importing Workflow
This tutorial is to demonstrate how to import models from other Revit programs, such as Revit Architecture and Revit Structure. The same process can be used to export back to these original modeling tools.

Room Properties Workflow
This tutorial is used to create the basis for adding intelligence to the model. It begins by defining spaces and then editing the space attributes to store information vital to the calculations in heating and cooling loads. It shows how to access the information and its use later on. Another topic covered is how to set up construction settings and types for quick recall to allow changes during a presentation or a class.

System Installation Workflow
The purpose of this tutorial is to show how to create a basic HVAC system for the model. Only one system is created, however, all systems follow the same procedure to complete. A specific work flow is needed to create the desired results.

Zone Creation Workflow
The main purpose of the Zone Creation Work flow video is to teach inexperienced users how to add zones to their project. In addition to this the concepts of duplicating floor plans, creating shared project parameters, copying room tags, as well as assigning and modifying zones and color schemes will also be explained.

Lessons Learned:

 * The difficulties with Revit products come from not understanding the strict process to accomplish the desired results. Every process has a streamlined way to go about it that when recognized makes the project easier.
 * Trial and error is a time consuming, aggravating, and stressful process that seems to have a minimal value of contribution to the overall project when the end work flows can be streamlined and made simpler.
 * A resource that offers many tutorials on common issues to novice software users would be a life changing resource that should be formally introduced when students are introduced to the software. i.e. AE - 222 Working Drawings
 * The Autodesk help sections are hard to search for the topic you are specifically looking for as they are often titled differently than expected. Also the help sections are hard to follow and refer to other sections in the help menu.

References:
Revit Help 2008 and 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R28rOTI-qD8&feature=related, CADclips, Revit MEP Demo

Acknowledgments:
Dr. John Messner, Penn State University Dr. James Freihaut, Penn State University John Herridge, Autodesk Robert Leicht, Penn State University Corey Wilkinson, Penn State University